Laser Treatments Vs. Microneedling: Which Is Right For You?

Beautiful and blemish-free skin is the dream of every individual suffering from wrinkles, brown spots, and acne scars. The popular treatments for these problems which have become highly sought-after in the past few years are laser therapy and microneedling.

Most skin clinics in Melbourne offer these treatments to fulfil the needs of their customers. Both the procedures help in the restoration of the skin, but they work on different levels.

While the laser is highly targeted and does not affect the surrounding skin tissue, microneedling is mechanical and quick. Thus, both have their own set of advantages when it comes to revitalising your skin.

If you are contemplating which procedure would be the best for you, then here is a rundown which will make the selection easier.

What Is Microneedling and How It Helps?

Microneedlinginvolves creating small punctures on the skin using various sterile needles to treat several skin problems. The damage caused by the punctures makes the deeper layer of the skin to start a restoration action and heal the skin naturally.

Some of the issues that can be treated with the help of this procedure are wrinkles, acne scars, stretch marks, loose skin, pigmentation, rosacea, and alopecia.

The treatment increases the production of collagen by causing trauma which helps the skin to look younger and smoother. Although it is faster than laser therapy, it does not show results instantly.

It can take a few months to get the desired skin. It is a safe treatment which has proven beneficial in the reduction of fine lines, enlarged pores, scars, and stretch marks.

It can cause some swelling, inflammation, scabbing and flaking in some people. Also, home treatments are not as effective as professional procedures carried out by experienced practitioners since they use home devices that do not penetrate the dermal layer. They are only useful for brightening as they increase the blood circulation in the skin.

What Is Laser Facial Resurfacing and How It Works?

The treatment is also known as laser peel, lasabrasion, and laser vaporisation. It helps in getting rid of wrinkles and scars and other skin irregularities.

It involves directing concentrated pulsating light beam which removes the skin layer by layer to resolve the problem. It is ideal for getting rid of fine lines from the face, and the lasers used for this procedure include carbon dioxide and erbium. 

Laser facial resurfacing is beneficial in treating fine lines, enlarged pores, acne, broken red veins, acne scars, brown spots, wrinkles, lack of collagen due to ageing and uneven skin tone.

It works by removing the dead cells and exposed layers which helps in rebuilding of the skin. It is completely safe and stimulates the production of collagen to provide you with younger and healthy skin.

The laser peels the upper layer (epidermis) and heats the deeper layer (dermis) to increase the production of collagen. The new skin is taut and smooth, and the treatment does not cause any side effects.

In some cases, you might notice a bit of swelling, redness, and itching. If you do not tend to the treated area as instructed by the practitioner, then you stand the chance of catching an infection that can lead to cold sores.

Which Procedure Is RightFor You?

As stated above, both the treatments perform the same task, but the procedure differs. Microneedling is more cost-effective among the two and can be combined with other cosmetic procedures.

On the other hand, laser therapy takes longer to show the results but presents more effective results that are long-lasting. If you do not want to spend too much time on the procedure and want to finish it up quickly, then you can opt for microneedling.

However, if you are looking to get the best results, then laser skin resurfacing is the right choice for you.  If you are still confused, then you must take a suggestion from your dermatologist.

Although both the treatments can be performed on all skin types, your practitioner will be able to provide you with the right guidance when it comes to your skin. In fact, the two can be combined to be performed together for even better results.

How To Protect The Treated Skin?

Both procedures need post-procedure care to keep the skin protected from infections. Here is what you need to do after the session.

• Avoid exposure to the sun as it causes tanning and can interfere with the results. You should wear a sunscreen of SPF 30 or more after two weeks of the treatment and use an umbrella or hat to keep the UVA and UVB sunrays away from the face.
• Do not consume any medication that can flare up the skin. Make sure to discuss your medication with the dermatologist and discuss your medical history before going ahead with the treatment.
• You can have a painkiller which is prescribed by your practitioner to reduce the discomfort after the procedure.
• You can use a cold compress after the laser therapy but should avoid it after microneedling.
• Avoid swimming so that you do not catch any skin infections.

Endnote

If you are planning to take advantage of one of these treatments, then you must visit a renowned skin clinic in Melbourne. Your dermatologist will be able to give you the best advice and make the right choice.